Assessment Criteria Research Articles

Digital technology revolutionizing mandibular fracture treatment: a comparative analysis of patient-specific plates and conventional titanium plates.

The treatment of fractures prioritizes the restoration of functionality through the realignment of fractured segments. Conventional methods, such as titanium plates, have been employed for this purpose; however, certain limitations have been observed, leading to the development of patient-specific plates. Furthermore, recent advancements in digital technology in dentistry enable the creation of virtual models and simulations of surgical procedures. The aim was to assess the clinical effectiveness of patient-specific plates utilizing digital technology in treating mandibular fractures compared to conventional titanium plates. Twenty patients diagnosed with mandibular fractures were included and randomly assigned to either the study or control groups. The surgical procedure comprised reduction and internal fixation utilizing patient-specific plates generated through virtual surgery planning with digital models for the study group, while the control group underwent the same procedure with conventional titanium plates. Assessment criteria included the presence of malunion, infection, sensory disturbance, subjective occlusal disturbance and occlusal force in functional maximum intercuspation (MICP). Statistical analysis involved using the Chi-square test and one-way repeated measures analysis of variance. All parameters showed no statistically significant differences between the study and control groups, except for the enhancement in occlusal force in functional MICP, where a statistically significant difference was observed (p = 0.000). Using patient-specific plates using digital technology has demonstrated clinical effectiveness in treating mandibular fractures, offering advantages of time efficiency and benefits for less experienced surgeons. Patient-specific plates combined with digital technology can be clinically effective in mandibular fracture treatment.

Hazard Identification and Risk Assessment for Sustainable Shipyard Floating Dock Operations: An Integrated Spherical Fuzzy Analytical Hierarchy Process and Fuzzy CoCoSo Approach

Background: This study investigated the process of selecting sustainable safety protocols for floating dock operations in shipyards by identifying potential workplace risks in emergency situations. Thirteen occupational hazards for shipyard floating dock operations were identified through a literature review and expert discussions. Methods: We incorporated four risk elements (consequence: C, frequency: F, probability: P, and number of people at risk: NP) from the Fine–Kinney and Hazard Rating Number System (HRNS) approaches as the risk assessment criteria. We obtained the importance weights of the risk assessment criteria via the Spherical Fuzzy Analytical Hierarchy Process (SF-AHP) and extended the Combined Compromise Solution (CoCoSo) method within the fuzzy framework to prioritize occupational hazards. This study demonstrated the practicality and efficiency of the proposed emergency risk assessment model for shipyard floating dock operations through a case example of occupational risk assessment. Results: The analysis results show that H4 is the occupational hazard with the highest priority, with a score of 3.553. H4 represents the hazard associated with insufficient access to the entire pool area. The second and third most important hazards are the inability of cranes to move freely in and out of the berthing dock and the inability to dispatch emergency teams. These hazards, denoted H1 and H12, follow closely behind with scores of 3.391 and 3.344, respectively. H10 is deemed the least concerning hazard, with a score of 1.802. Conclusions: Professionals can handle complex and uncertain risk assessment data more flexibly using the proposed system, which excels in accurately organizing occupational hazards.

Methodology for evaluating the quality of a digital channel of a satellite communication system based on an integral indicator and a fuzzy logical conclusion

The problem of evaluating the quality of digital channels of satellite communication systems (DCSCS) is considered. It is shown that two quality assessment strategies are used in practice: the first is an assessment of quality from the position of consumers of services and specialists in the provision of communication services in the market; the second is an assessment of quality from the position of specialists in technical operation. It is concluded that the first strategy does not allow to identify the degradation of DCSCS quality. It is suggested that it is advisable to use the second strategy. A reasonable choice of particular quality indicators was made: error probability, jitter and phase drift, slippage, signal transmission delay, reliability, relative transmission rate, energy reserve, error vector modulus. A quality assessment criterion is proposed that forms three possible outcomes: satisfactory quality, marginal quality, and unsatisfactory quality. A single integral indicator is proposed, formed on the basis of particular quality indicators and fuzzy logical inference. The structure of a fuzzy expert quality assessment system is considered. An illustrative example is given.

Integrated miRNA Profiling of Extracellular Vesicles from Uterine Aspirates, Malignant Ascites and Primary-Cultured Ascites Cells for Ovarian Cancer Screening.

Extracellular vesicles (EVs) are of growing interest in the context of screening for highly informative cancer markers. We have previously shown that uterine aspirate EVs (UA EVs) are a promising source of ovarian cancer (OC) diagnostic markers. In this study, we first conducted an integrative analysis of EV-miRNA profiles from UA, malignant ascitic fluid (AF), and a conditioned medium of cultured ascites cells (ACs). Using three software packages, we identified 79 differentially expressed miRNAs (DE-miRNAs) in UA EVs from OC patients and healthy individuals. To narrow down this panel and select miRNAs most involved in OC pathogenesis, we aligned these molecules with the DE-miRNA sets obtained by comparing the EV-miRNA profiles from OC-related biofluids with the same control. We found that 76% of the DE-miRNAs from the identified panel are similarly altered (differentially co-expressed) in AF EVs, as are 58% in AC EVs. Interestingly, the set of miRNAs differentially co-expressed in AF and AC EVs strongly overlaps (40 out of 44 miRNAs). Finally, the application of more rigorous criteria for DE assessment, combined with the selection of miRNAs that are differentially co-expressed in all biofluids, resulted in the identification of a panel of 29 miRNAs for ovarian cancer screening.

Clinical efficacy of a new therapeutic option for lower genital tract lesions: 5-ALA photodynamic therapy.

The study utilized 5-ALA-PDT to treat patients with CIN or VaIN and assessed their clinical response, HPV clearance, and influencing factors after photodynamic therapy (PDT). This study involved 56 patients who received 5-ALA-PDT in a single center from May 2020 to March 2022, including 12 patients with CIN, 30 patients with VaIN, and 14 patients with both CIN and VaIN. Follow-up were conducted within 6 and 12months after treatment to evaluate the clinical effectiveness of PDT. The assessment criteria included histological response (ER, elimination rate, RR, regression rate) and HPV clearance. Additionally, factors that could potentially influence the outcomes were analyzed. After PDT, the histological response showed an ER of 48.2% (27/56) and a RR of 80.4% (45/56) within 6months of follow-up. The elimination rate increased to 69.6% (39/56) within 12months, along with a regression rate of 82.1% (46/56). The rates of HPV clearance were observed to be 37.5% (21/56) and 44.6% (25/56) within 6 and 12months, respectively. The study also revealed that HPV clearance significantly influenced histologic elimination within 6months (p < 0.001) and histologic regression within 12months (p < 0.01). Furthermore, premenopausal women exhibited a higher HPV clearance rate compared to postmenopausal women (61.5% vs. 30.0%, p = 0.036). 5-ALA PDT can be considered as an available option for the treatment of lower genital squamous intraepithelial lesions. The efficacy of its histologic response depends on HPV clearance. Additionally, it has been found that premenopausal women may benefit more from this treatment.

Identifying assessment criteria for in vitro studies: a method and item bank.

To support the development of appraisal tools for assessing the quality of in vitro studies, we developed a method for literature-based discovery of study assessment criteria, used the method to create an item bank of assessment criteria of potential relevance to in vitro studies, and analyzed the item bank to discern and critique current approaches for appraisal of in vitro studies. We searched four research indexes and included any document that identified itself as an appraisal tool for in vitro studies, was a systematic review that included a critical appraisal step, or was a reporting checklist for in vitro studies. We abstracted, normalized, and categorized all criteria applied by the included appraisal tools to create an "item bank" database of issues relevant to the assessment of in vitro studies. The resulting item bank consists of 676 unique appraisal concepts from 67 appraisal tools. We believe this item bank is the single most comprehensive resource of its type to date, should be of high utility for future tool development exercises, and provides a robust methodology for grounding tool development in the existing literature. Although we set out to develop an item bank specifically targeting in vitro studies, we found that many of the assessment concepts we discovered are readily applicable to other study designs. Item banks can be of significant value as a resource; however, there are important challenges in developing, maintaining, and extending them of which researchers should be aware.

The importance of the 'uterine factor' in recurrent pregnancy loss: a retrospective cohort study on women screened through 3D transvaginal ultrasound.

What is the prevalence of congenital and acquired anomalies of the uterus in women with recurrent pregnancy loss (RPL) of unknown etiology examined using 3D transvaginal ultrasound (US)? Depending on the adopted diagnostic criteria, the prevalence of partial septate uterus varies between 7% and 14% and a T-shaped uterus is 3% or 4%, while adenomyosis is 23%, at least one of type 0, type 1 or type 2 myoma is 4%, and at least one endometrial polyp is 4%. ESHRE and the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists guidelines on RPL recommend the adoption of the 3D transvaginal US to evaluate the 'uterine factor'. Nevertheless, there are no published studies reporting the prevalence of both congenital and acquired uterine anomalies as assessed by 3D transvaginal US and diagnosed according to the criteria proposed by the most authoritative panels of experts in a cohort of women with RPL. This was a retrospective cohort study including 442 women with at least two previous first-trimester spontaneous pregnancy losses (i.e. non-viable intrauterine pregnancies), who referred to the obstetrics and gynecology unit of two university hospitals between July 2020 and July 2023. Records of eligible women were reviewed. Women could be included in the study if: they were between 25 and 42 years old; they had no relevant comorbidities; they were not affected by infertility, and they had never undergone ART; they and their partner tested negative to a comprehensive RPL diagnostic work-up; and they had never undergone metroplasty, myomectomy, minimally invasive treatments for uterine fibroids or adenomyomectomy. Expert sonographers independently re-analyzed the stored 2- and 3D transvaginal US images of all included patients. Congenital uterine anomalies (CUAs) were reported according to the American Society for Reproductive Medicine (ASRM) 2021, the ESHRE/European Society for Gynaecological Endoscopy (ESGE) and the Congenital Uterine Malformation by Experts (CUME) criteria. Acquired uterine anomalies were reported according to the International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics (FIGO) and the Morphological Uterus Sonographic Assessment (MUSA) criteria. The partial septate uterus was diagnosed in 60 (14%; 95% CI: 11-17%), 29 (7%; 95% CI: 5-9%), and 47 (11%; 95% CI: 8-14%) subjects, according to the ESHRE/ESGE, the ASRM 2021, and the CUME criteria, respectively. The T-shaped uterus was diagnosed in 19 women (4%; 95% CI: 3-7%) according to the ESHRE/ESGE criteria and in 13 women (3%; 95% CI: 2-5%) according to the CUME criteria. The borderline T-shaped uterus (diagnosed when two out of three CUME criteria for T-shaped uterus were met) was observed in 16 women (4%; 95% CI: 2-6%). At least one of FIGO type 0, type 1, or type 2 myoma was detected in 4% of included subjects (95% CI: 3-6%). Adenomyosis was detected in 100 women (23%; 95% CI: 19-27%) and was significantly more prevalent in women with primary RPL and in those with three or more pregnancy losses. At least one endometrial polyp was detected in 4% of enrolled women (95% CI: 3-7%). The absence of a control group prevented us from investigating the presence of an association between both congenital and acquired uterine anomalies and RPL. Second, the presence as well as the absence of both congenital and acquired uterine anomalies detected by 3D US was not confirmed by hysteroscopy. Finally, the results of the present study inevitably suffer from the intrinsic limitations of the adopted classification systems. The prevalence of CUAs in women with RPL varies depending on the classification system used. For reasons of clarity, the US reports should always state the name of the uterine anomaly as well as the adopted classification and diagnostic criteria. Adenomyosis seems to be associated with more severe forms of RPL. The prevalence rates estimated by our study as well as the replicability of the adopted diagnostic criteria provide a basis for the design and sample size calculation of prospective studies. No specific funding was used. The authors have no conflicts of interest to declare. N/A.

Self-assessment criteria as projected realities: a social cognitive study on student experience in postgraduate thesis writing

While research on postgraduate thesis writing has investigated how students cope with institutional assessment criteria, this study explores how students form their own criteria for self-assessment through the writing process, aiming to account for the development of their independent thinking in academic socialisation. Based on in-depth interviews with 10 Chinese master’s students, the study found that their self-assessment criteria not only represented solutions to problems identified by their supervisors and examiners, but also embodied aims established by students themselves. Those criteria were not fixed textual properties of a ‘good’ thesis, but were dynamic representations of textual and social realities constituting students’ lifeworlds. Viewed from this perspective, self-assessment is a situated process whereby students re-experience and re-interpret multiple sets of realities juxtaposed against their writing. Pedagogically, the study implies that postgraduate thesis supervision could facilitate the expansion of students’ self-assessment criteria to develop their capacity for making independent judgements.

O-240 Embryo assessment: the Istanbul consensus revised

Abstract Study question What are the current recommended criteria for morphological assessment of oocytes, zygotes and embryos? Summary answer The present ESHRE/Alpha Scientists in Reproductive Medicine consensus document provides several novel recommendations to assess oocyte and embryo morphology and rank embryos for transfer. What is known already A previous Alpha Scientists in Reproductive Medicine / ESHRE consensus on oocyte and embryo morphological assessment was published in 2011. After more than a decade, a thorough review and update was needed. Study design, size, duration A working group consisting of Alpha Scientists in Reproductive Medicine executive board members and ESHRE Special interest group of Embryology members formulated recommendations on oocyte and embryo morphological assessment. Participants/materials, setting, methods The working group included 17 internationally recognized experts with extensive experience in clinical embryology. Seven members represented Alpha Scientists in Reproductive Medicine and 8 members represented ESHRE, in addition to two methodological experts from the ESHRE central office. Based on a systematic literature search and discussion of existing evidence, the recommendations of the Istanbul Consensus (2011) were reassessed and, where appropriate, updated based on consensus within the working group. After stakeholder review, the final version will be approved by the working group, the Alpha executive board and the ESHRE Executive Committee. Main results and the role of chance This updated consensus paper provides 20 recommendations focused on the timeline of preimplantation developmental events and morphological criteria for oocyte, zygote, and embryo assessment. Based on duration of embryo culture, recommendations are given on the frequency and timing of assessments to ensure safety and effectiveness. Limitations, reasons for caution Several criteria relevant to oocyte and embryo morphology have not been well studied, leading to either a recommendation against their use for grading or for use in ranking rather than grading. Future updates may require further revision of these recommendations. Wider implications of the findings This document provides embryologists with clear advice on best practices when assessing oocyte and embryo quality based on the most recent evidence.

P-038 Sperm head morphometric reference values of 1856 sperms in fertile Asian males

Abstract Study question To explore comprehensive normal sperm morphometric reference values by measuring 1856 sperms in fertile males using artificial intelligence (AI) technique. Summary answer Four novel describing parameters of sperm head (size, shape, area, and uniformity) and 14 other features for normal sperm head were extracted and characterized. What is known already Sperm head morphology is crucial for male factor infertility diagnosis and assessment of male reproductive potential. The human spermatozoon is one of the most diverse cell types known. However, most assessment criteria have only 3 morphometric parameters (Length, width, and length/width ratio) for sperm head morphometric measurement. We detailed the features of sperm head by defining and characterizing 14 parameters based on AI. Study design, size, duration This is a prospective observational study. The study included 1856 normal sperm images from 23152 stained sperm acquired by an Automated Sperm Morphology Analysis (ASMA) system. The measured sperm morphometry data were acquired from May 2020 to December 2021. Participants/materials, setting, methods All participants (54 fertile males) had fathered a child naturally during the past year. The measured sperm morphometry data were acquired from candidate donors of the Sichuan Province Human Sperm Bank (SPHSB, Chengdu, China). Images of 23,152 stained sperm captured by ASMA. All sperm images were assessed by three experienced technicians. Finally, we concluded 14 morphometric data from normal sperm by measuring sizes in pixels. Main results and the role of chance (1) Characteristics of sperm head size and shape: We present eight sperm head size and shape parameters for the 1856 visually normal spermatozoa. The median head size parameters included head length of 4.02 (95% CI: 4.01–4.05) μm, head width of 2.52 (95% CI: 2.52–2.54) μm, length to width ratio of 1.59 (95% CI: 1.59–1.62), and head girth of 11.18 (95% CI: 11.17–11.25) μm. The median head symmetry parameters included short axis symmetry (SAS) of 92.1% (95% CI: 88.3%–89.2%) and the long axis symmetry (LAS) of 94.3% (95% CI: 91.6%–92.3%). The median head shape parameters included median of ellipse intersection over union (EIoU) of 88.9% (95% CI: 85.4%–86.3%) and girth intersection over union (GIoU) of 102.4% (95% CI: 102.4%–102.5%). (2) Characteristics of sperm head area and acrosome uniformity: Descriptive analysis of the sperm head area characteristics included a median sperm head area of 7.72 (95% CI: 7.74–7.85) μm2, acrosome area of 3.67 (95% CI: 3.77–3.88) μm2, acrosome area ratio of 48.2% (95% CI: 47.8%–48.6%), post-acrosomal area of 3.95 (95% CI: 3.95–4.00) μm2, acrosome uniformity of 88.6% (95% CI: 88.6%–89.1%), and nuclear uniformity of 100.0% (95% CI: 99.8%–99.9%). Limitations, reasons for caution This study had several limitations that should be noted. The use of samples from a single center, covering relatively young participants from only seven provinces in China, could limit the usage of our findings. The use of only three technicians to assess the samples may have introduced a subjective bias. Wider implications of the findings The measurement technique was accurate, objective, and highly informative by AI. The data provide extremely detailed information for reference studies and comparison of sperm head parameters among different male groups. These new parameters can be applied in routine semen analysis when assessing sperm morphology and male fertility potential. Trial registration number not applicable

P-311 Impact of adenomyosis on reproductive outcomes applying the revised Morphological Uterus Sonographic Assessment criteria in fresh donor oocyte recipients pretreated with GnRH agonist

Abstract Study question Could the diagnosis of adenomyosis (AD) impact reproductive outcomes when applying the revised Morphological Uterus Sonographic Assessment (MUSA) criteria in fresh donor oocyte cycles? Summary answer Adenomyosis diagnosis following the revised MUSA criteria in recipients did not have adversely affect reproductive outcomes in fresh donor oocyte recipients pretreated with GnRH agonist What is known already Prior metanalysis on IVF outcomes in patients with adenomyosis suggested lower clinical pregnancy and live birth rates, and increased miscarriage rates. Some studies suggest improved pregnancy rates with ultra-long GnRH agonist pretreatment. Most studies focused on autologous embryo transfer without euploidy confirmation, and diagnostic criteria lacked consensus, in 2021 MUSA redefined criteria distinguishing direct and indirect features with different implications. Study design, size, duration A retrospective cohort study included all fresh oocyte donation cycles from January 2014 to September 2023, evaluating adenomyosis impact on implantation rate, clinical pregnancy rate, miscarriage rate, ectopic pregnancy rate. The study analyzed 252 cycles without a formal sample size calculation due to its retrospective nature. Participants/materials, setting, methods The study included 252 first fresh oocyte reception cycle with a fresh embryo transfer. Severe male factor cases were excluded. A transvaginal ultrasound (TUS) screening for adenomyosis criteria was performed, diagnosis required at least two criteria, with one being direct. Endometrial preparation involved one dose of 3,75mg triptorelin acetate intramuscularly injected in mid luteal phase, to facilitate the synchronization with donor and estradiol patches. Main results and the role of chance Adenomyosis was diagnosed in 10,7% (AD), endometriosis (END) was present in 21,8 % and 26,6% of patients presented both diagnoses. Endometriosis patients received more pre-treatment (oral contraceptive or 2-3 long-agonist doses) than those without (40,7% AD, 43,6% END vs 17,3% non-AD/END). Comparing patients with and without adenomyosis, no statistical differences were found in embryo transfer results between groups: clinical pregnancy rate (63% vs 56,9%), miscarriage rate (23,5% vs 14,1%), ectopic pregnancy rate (11,8% vs 4,7%) and live birth rate (40,7% vs 45,8%). No differences in gestational outcomes were observed in terms of the number of adenomyosis criteria present, the number of direct criteria, the type of criteria, or when differentiating between focal and diffuse adenomyosis. Similarly, there were no differences when comparing patients with both diagnoses to those with isolated adenomyosis. The most prevalent adenomyosis features reported were hyperechogenic islands (direct criteria), followed by an irregular junctional zone and asymmetrical wall thickening (indirect criteria). Finally, no differences were found in perinatal outcomes or complications during the pregnancy follow-up between groups. Limitations, reasons for caution Although this is the largest serie evaluating adenomyosisto the low adenomyosis prevalence in our population, these results should be confirmed in larger series. In our center all adenomyosis/endometriosis symptomatic patients are under medical treatment before assisted reproduction techniques, that may modify adenomyosis criteria over time and probably pregnancy outcomes. Wider implications of the findings This is the first study to characterize adenomyosis using the revised MUSA definitions in an oocyte donation programme. Applying these criteria and preparing endometrium with GnRH analog pretreatment and treating medically symptomatic patients before ART, adenomyosis did not adversely affect reproductive outcomes. Trial registration number Not applicable

O-171 Apicobasal RNA asymmetries regulate cell fate in the early mouse embryo

Abstract Assessing the morphological appearance of an embryo as it progresses from zygote to blastocyst is the primary method used by embryologists to evaluate embryo viability and developmental potential. Standard embryo grading techniques, using time-lapse microscopy, analyse morphological characteristics such as size, shape, number, and appearance of blastomeres. The aim of this study was to determine how individual cells of the embryo function on a subcellular level to build a healthy embryo. RNA localisation plays indispensable roles in establishing asymmetries and coordinating cell fate decisions during early embryogenesis across various non-mammalian species. To direct the spatiotemporal distribution of RNA within the cells of an embryo, the microtubule cytoskeleton provides highly sophisticated trafficking pathways. Yet, it remains unknown whether subcellular heterogeneities exist during mammalian preimplantation development and how they contribute to cell fate determination. Using advanced live imaging, we visualised global RNA transcripts at high spatiotemporal resolution from fertilisation to the blastocyst stage in living preimplantation mouse embryos. We discovered apicobasal RNA asymmetries specific to outer cells of the 16-cell stage mouse embryo, coinciding with cell fate decisions and the emergence of the pluripotent inner cell mass. Highly clustered RNAs accumulated proximal to the basal membrane, while more dispersed RNA foci were identified apically as the embryo reaches the late 16-cell stage. The targeted distribution of membrane-less RNA molecules was facilitated by the microtubule cytoskeleton, associated with lysosomes which serve as RNA transport vehicles. We discovered that apically located RNA foci were more dynamic and accompanied an enrichment of translation components. Furthermore, we uncovered that the established RNA asymmetries enhanced translation capacity in apical regions compared to basal regions. These spatiotemporal RNA heterogeneities were unevenly inherited by outer and inner daughter cells during subsequent cell divisions. Notably, embryos that were unable to establish RNA asymmetries failed to allocate cells to the trophectoderm and inner cell mass. Our study provides insights into a subcellular mechanism driving asymmetric RNA localisation and compartmentalised translational regulation in outer cells of the 16-cell stage embryo, which may contribute to cell fate decisions during mammalian preimplantation embryogenesis. We envision that when paired with classical morphological assessment criteria of the embryo, these findings may assist with selecting the embryo with the highest developmental potential.

Management of closed diaphyseal fractures in children in two black African countries: Preliminary results and epidemiological profile

Objectives: The objective of this study was to describe the clinical evolution and the epidemiological profile of long bone fractures in children in two African countries. Methods: This was a five-year retrospective study of closed fractures of long bones in children aged 9.7 years (Ranging 4–16). Seventy-two fractures were treated by elastic stable intramedullary nailing and plate osteosynthesis. The results were evaluated according to Oestern and Tscherne criteria, and parental satisfaction was assessed using an individual investigation form. Results: The treatment of closed fractures of long bones in children is marked by complications such as infection (16.6%), implant migration (19.4%), non-union (11.1%), and malunion (2.7%). According to the assessment criteria, 33.3% were excellent, 45.8% were good, and 20.8% were poor. Twenty percentages of parents were very satisfied, 61% were satisfied, and 18% were disappointed with the outcome. Conclusion: Osteosynthesis is only indicated in common pediatric trauma if the capabilities of remodeling a callous are insufficient. It should not be the first choice in children’s fracture therapeutic options.

Digital pedagogy in educational chronotopes – didactical choices for teaching, learning, and assessment

ABSTRACT Over the last few years, Norway’s lower secondary education has increasingly integrated one device for each student, reflecting broader technological trends in the Western world. To plan for learning and assessment in one-to-one classrooms, this article advocates for an ecological approach by elaborating on the term “educational chronotope”, building on previous theoretical understanding of the term. Such an approach to teaching, learning, and assessment contrasts previous frameworks that emphasize teachers’ digital competence and technology’s transformative role in classrooms, like TPACK and SAMR. Drawing on empirical data from two extensive research projects, this article proposes a didactical model with six choices teachers might consider in orchestrating teaching, learning and assessment in the one-to-one digital classroom environment. The six decisions that teachers must consider are the (1) aim and task, (2) activities and (3) resources used. In addition, they must consider which (4) semiotic technologies and (5) modes students can use when working on the assignments to meet the (6) assessment criteria. The framework has significant implications for enhancing digital pedagogy and fostering student digital agency by actively involving students in shaping their educational chronotope.

The System Architecture-Function-Outcome Framework for Fostering and Assessing Systems Thinking in First-Year STEM Education and Its Potential Applications in Case-Based Learning

Systems thinking is crucial for understanding and solving complex problems and is considered an important thinking skill in engineering. Active learning is considered an effective approach for fostering STEM students’ systems thinking. However, viable methods for teaching and assessing systems thinking with active learning across STEM disciplines, particularly in first-year undergraduate education, are still under-researched. In this paper, we introduce a research-based framework named System Architecture-Function-Outcome to help first-year STEM instructors both foster and assess students’ introductory systems thinking. To conduct an initial evaluation of the framework’s suitability in active learning settings, we designed a directed case-based learning assignment with an adapted article and a rubric for assessing ‘introductory systems thinking’, as defined in the framework. We deployed the assignment among 84 first-year STEM students and successfully tested its inter-rater reliability, with 75–100% inter-rater agreement across all assessment criteria. We discuss the implications of our results on fostering and assessing first-year STEM students’ systems thinking, and outline examples for potential applications of the framework, pending further validation, in case-based learning settings of varying degrees of learner autonomy, from lecture-based to problem-based learning.

Capturing the ghost in the machine: a process for development and validation of measures of phenomenal consciousness in delirium.

Delirium has conventionally been considered a disorder of consciousness. Alertness and arousal are used as surrogates in clinical practice but are insufficient for the purposes of a more dimensional assessment of consciousness. We present a process of development and validation of candidate measures of phenomenal consciousness that could be applied to the diagnosis of delirium. First, a narrative review of available instruments in the fields of phenomenal consciousness, including prereflective consciousness, the phenomenal-sensed experience and reflective thought, was undertaken. Eligibility of tools in the context of applicability to delirium was based upon objectivity in test interpretation and the requirement for tester administration. Second, where there was a gap in suitable cognitive tools, new items were derived using the silent generation technique. A process of face and construct validity using a diverse panel of experts was performed, and readability was evaluated. 814 articles were screened from the literature review. Fourteen candidate tools were reported from the three domains of phenomenal consciousness. One of these met the eligibility criteria for a delirium assessment. Fifty-seven new tests of phenomenal consciousness were identified. After a process of item reduction, a total of 26 individual tests were identified. After content validity, 22 of the 26 items were retained. The scale average content validity index was 0.89. The agreement between raters was between 80% and 97%. 100% of responses for face validity were rated as positive. Flesch Reading Ease Score was 91.6 (very easy to read). Candidate measures of phenomenal consciousness are described, and early validity studies are promising.

Basic Sanitation Management at Ibnu Cholil Islamic Boarding School in Bangkalan Regency

Basic sanitation is critical to achieving health as it plays a major role in preventing the spread of disease. The benefits of basic sanitation management include the prevention of diseases such as diarrhea, dengue, and typhoid. The purpose of this study was to determine the management of basic sanitation which includes the provision of clean water, waste management, provision of healthy latrines, and provision of sewerage in Ibn Cholil Islamic Boarding School, Bangkalan Regency. The type of research used is descriptive with a qualitative approach. Research instruments were interviews and observation checklists with POAC assessment criteria (planning, organizing, actuanting, and controlling). The research variables were the provision of clean water, waste management, provision of healthy latrines, provision of sewerage. The results of the research on basic sanitation management of clean water supply in male dormitories (71%) are in the good category and in female dormitories (62%) are in the sufficient category. Waste management in male dormitories (52%) and in female dormitories (56%) is included in the sufficient category. The provision of healthy latrines in male dormitories (68%) and in female dormitories (73%) is categorized as good. The condition of sewerage in male dormitories (10%) and in female dormitories (24%) is categorized as insufficient. The conclusion of this study shows that the implementation of basic sanitation management management in Ibn Cholil Islamic boarding school, Bangkalan Regency is in the moderate category. It is necessary to educate about basic sanitation management and direct monitoring from the health center. INDEX TERMS Basic Sanitation, Management, Boarding School.

Assessing students with dyslexia and other reading difficulties through multiple diagnostic assessments.

This article aims to assist practitioners in understanding dyslexia and other reading difficulties and assessing students' learning needs. We describe the essential components of language and literacy, universal screening, diagnostic assessments, curriculum-based measurement and eligibility determination. We then introduce four diagnostic assessments as examples, including norm-referenced assessments (i.e. the Comprehensive Test of Phonological Processing second edition and the Woodcock-Johnson IV Tests of Achievement) and criterion-referenced assessments (i.e. the Gallistel-Ellis Test of Coding Skills and the Dynamic Indicators of Basic Early Literacy Skills). Finally, We use a makeup case as a concrete example to illustrate how multiple diagnostic assessments are recorded and how the results can be used to inform intervention and eligibility for special education services.

"Best Paper" awards lack transparency, inclusivity, and support for Open Science.

Awards can propel academic careers. They also reflect the culture and values of the scientific community. But do awards incentivize greater transparency, inclusivity, and openness in science? Our cross-disciplinary survey of 222 awards for the "best" journal articles across all 27 SCImago subject areas revealed that journals and learned societies administering such awards generally publish little detail on their procedures and criteria. Award descriptions were brief, rarely including contact details or information on the nominations pool. Nominations of underrepresented groups were not explicitly encouraged, and concepts that align with Open Science were almost absent from the assessment criteria. At the same time, 10% of awards, especially the recently established ones, tended to use article-level impact metrics. USA-affiliated researchers dominated the winner's pool (48%), while researchers from the Global South were uncommon (11%). Sixty-one percent of individual winners were men. Overall, Best Paper awards miss the global calls for greater transparency and equitable access to academic recognition. We provide concrete and implementable recommendations for scientific awards to improve the scientific recognition system and incentives for better scientific practice.

Enhanced grid integration through advanced predictive control of a permanent magnet synchronous generator - Superconducting magnetic energy storage wind energy system

In this study, the use of an Unscented Kalman Filter as an indicator in predictive current control (PCC) for a wind energy conversion system (WECS) that employs a permanent magnetic synchronous generator (PMSG) and a superconducting magnetic energy storage (SMES) system connected to the main power grid is presented. The suggested UKF indication in the hybrid WECS-SMES arrangement is in charge of estimating vital metrics such as stator currents, electromagnetic torque, rotor angle, and rotor angular speed. To optimize control strategies, PCCs use these projected properties rather than direct observations. To control the unpredictable wind energy's nature, SMES must be regulated to minimize fluctuations in the DC-link voltage and power output to the main grid. Fractional order-PI (FOPI) controllers are used in a novel control structure for the SMES system to regulate the output power and DC-link voltage. An artificial bee colony optimization approach is employed to optimize the FOPI controllers. Three commonly utilized indicators, including sliding-mode, EKF, and Luenberger, were evaluated using “MATLAB" to evaluate the performance of the UKF estimate. Assessment criteria such as mean absolute percentage error and root mean squared error were used to gauge the accuracy of the estimates. Simulation findings showed the efficiency of fractional order-PI controllers for SMES and the proposed UKF indication for predictive current control, especially in the presence of measurement noise and over a variety of wind speeds. An improvement in estimation accuracy of up to 99.9 % was demonstrated by the UKF indicator. Moreover, the stability of the suggested UKF-based PCC control for the hybrid WECS-SMES combination was confirmed using Lyapunov stability criteria."